Designs or pictures printed from etched surfaces can also be called etching prints. The name comes from Dutch etching, "erosion" or "eating". The difference between etching and similar process carving is that the carved lines are made with sharp tools instead of acid reaction.

Etching is usually carried out on polished copper or zinc plates; Steel plates, iron plates or glass plates can also be used. Etching is both an art form and a commercial process. Only the art form is discussed here. For commercial etching, see entry printing, subtitle relief printing and gravure printing.

Good etching painting needs sketch skills more than painting. Diu Lei in16th century and Rembrandt and Carlo in17th century were both masters of etching. Goya and Zon were famous in18th century. 19 and skilled etchers in the 20th century included Whistler, Matisse, Picasso and Degas.